Technology part 2: Step away from the laptop

Something has been bothering me lately.  

I have been waiting for Samantha (now 4 years old) to make a comment or request regarding our technology practices.  Something resembling:
"Mommy, can you stop looking at the computer, I am trying to talk to you."  
"Daddy, don't look at your phone while we are at the park." 
"Mommy, I don't want you to have the computer on your lap while we are watching Curious George."  
"Hey you guys, can you turn those things OFF!" 

Sam is an analytical, inquisitive, smart little cookie (if I do say so myself)...but she has never uttered a word or comment remotely resembling those above.  I've been thinking that this is really strange. Then, recently, I started thinking about how it may make perfect sense.

the kids, the laundry basket, the laptop...always close by.

I don't think Sam has made a request for her parents to turn off/shut down/ look away/take a break from our beloved technology because, perhaps, SHE DOESN'T KNOW IT IS AN OPTION.  She may not even know these things TURN OFF.  Honestly, I wonder (just speculating here, of course) if our laptops, cell phones, etc. are so much a part of our daily life that my daughter wouldn't even think to ask us to take a break from them.  It would be like Sam asking me to stop showering or doing dishes.  Maybe she doesn't ask because she thinks that it is an essential part of life.
But, how essential is it?

These new thoughts on this topic make me sad.
My daughter should know that she can ask me to stop tinkering with my technology.

On one hand, technology makes me a better mom.  Seriously.  Being a stay-at-home-mom can be lonely and isolating and technology can make me feel more connected, and thus re-fuel me for the sometimes looooooong days taking care of my little people.  I also use my beloved laptop for my kids.  I find parks, deals on diapers, activities, events, and craft ideas. I use email, text messages, Facebook etc. to coordinate activities and playdates for my kids.

On the other hand, while it only takes me a couple minutes to quickly check my email, Facebook, or a website, one little click often leads to many more and it can make me distracted from my kids. 

the laptop's normal resting place

I decided recently that I am going to stop waiting for Samantha to ask me to power it down or turn it off, and instead make the decision to do that myself more often.  One day last week I decided to remove the laptop from it's counter space in the kitchen and keep it upstairs for the afternoon. Honestly, it was a little hard not to have the computer there when I wanted it, but it was also really nice.  Out of sight, out of mind.  I am going to try to do this more often.

Even if it only takes a few minutes, I think mommy's technology time is sending a message that distracted communication is normal...and I am NOT OK with that.

I know it won't be long before I am asking my girls to put down their phones, or stop playing on the computer, or to look at me when they talk to me.  I need to start making some changes regarding technology use, or we are going to have a serious case of "do as I say, not as I do" on our hands.

I'm just writing about my own experience here, but maybe it is yours too.  
What, if anything, do you do to limit your technology use while you are parenting?